ICC Champions Trophy 2025: England announce playing XI for their first match of the tournament against Australia

England will start their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Australia on February 22.

England will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Australia on February 22, Saturday, in Lahore.

England have struggled in limited-overs cricket in 2025. The Three Lions were outplayed in both the T20I and ODI series in India, losing 4-1 and 3-0 respectively.

England are in the ‘group of death’ alongside Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. After facing Australia, they will take on Afghanistan in Lahore and South Africa in Karachi.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed their playing XI for Saturday’s clash.

England announce playing XI for their first match of the tournament against Australia

Jamie Smith, who missed the last two T20Is and the entire ODI series against India due to a calf injury, has been named in England’s playing XI for the match against Australia, scheduled for February 22, Saturday, in Lahore.

Phil Salt, who kept wickets against India, will play as a specialist batter.

The pace attack will feature Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood, while Liam Livingstone and Joe Root will support the lone frontline spinner, Adil Rashid.

In the batting department, England will keep high hopes from the experienced duo of Joe Root and Jos Buttler to counter Adam Zampa in the middle-overs.

Tom Banton, Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton are the four players from the squad who will miss out on a spot in the playing XI.

England Playing XI vs Australia: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.